Religion is a Form of Psychosis

Simply an intelligent and reasonable position for a secular retailer who is merely interested in making a profit during the holiday season (let's not forget that everyone, including Christians, does the bulk of their retail spending starting right after Thanksgiving and up to the end of the year), rather than promoting a particular sectarian belief, and risk alienating their customer base.

For once, Steve and I are in complete agreement. Truly a miracle, the like of which may never again be seen by humankind. ;-)

spl: I was thinking the same thing! ;)

But, there are times when the term "xmas" is not used in a business context. There are those that use the term as a slight against Christians and Christianity, who cannot bring themselves to write the name "Christ" even as it is included in "Christmas". This begs the question, which was first? Was the use as a derogatory term, first? Or did those that were interested in not offending Jews and Moslems at Christmas start it, and those that dislike Christ jump on the opportunity to use it? Yeah, I'd say the latter, for sure!

And I'd guess you would have to include those that really don't have any agenda for choosing "xmas" over "Christmas", but just use the term "xmas" because of familiarity.

Hmmm, neither really. It's not a considerate gesture, that is just the disguise, the facade, a business tactic. And it's not that anyone wants to openly insult Christianity by any means, for Christians spend money, too. It's simply an example showing that money is more important than Christ.

Spinoza says:

Christ never put any food on my table or paid the rent. Money is very important.

"It's simply an example showing that money is more important than Christ. "

The X *refers* to Christ, Steve.

spl: Yes, I guess it does, but it's not used by any Christians I've ever seen. Maybe there was some who used it with fondness, that the X was the cross or something. But I'd say that's in the small minority of usage. I'd say the large majority of usage is in either business policies, or derogatorily by atheists. I would be shocked, as a Crhistian, to see a Christian to use the term "xtian" or "xmas".